***************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 30) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak at a kindergarten in Kwun Tong involving 19 students aged between 3 and 6 and two staff members aged 25 and 29.
The affected, comprising 10 males and 11 females, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including vomiting, fever and diarrhoea, since April 19.
Medical attention was sought for 11 of them. Two students required hospitalisation. They were discharged on April 20 and April 21 respectively. All the affected are now in stable condition.
The stool specimen of one hospitalised student showed the presence of Norovirus.
Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
The investigation is ongoing. The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet;
* Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces, and wash hands afterwards;
* Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water);
* Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, April 30, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:30
NNNN
